CBS renews 18 prime-time shows

NEW YORK 
CBS is making the annual May announcement of its fall schedule almost moot.

Television's top-rated network on Wednesday announced the renewal of a staggering 18 prime-time series for next season. They include the top-rated "NCIS" and its spinoff, and the hot new Thursday drama "Person of Interest."

A handful of series did not get early renewals, putting them on "the bubble" for return. Those include the New York and Miami spinoffs of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

While TV networks occasionally confirm the renewal of series before the schedule is officially unveiled to advertisers in May, CBS' announcement Wednesday was unusually wide-ranging.